The ultimate adventure holiday in Galle

Galle, situated on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, is about a 2-hour drive from Colombo airport. While the main attraction is the old Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is so much more to see and do in this tropical paradise. With its Dutch architectural influence from the 18th century, it has very similar vibes to Kochi in India, but with its Portuguese influence from the 16th century, it’s got that susegad feel! There are so many things to do in Galle that you’ll ideally want to spend 7-10 days here. The best time to visit Galle is not fixed as there is no actual dry season in Sri Lanka. January and February tend to be the best months, but also show higher prices in accommodation. Many companies offer different types of activities and tours so you can save money by booking all your tours through one company and asking for a multi-purchase discount.

Hiking
There are many companies that offer hiking tours, but you can just as easily go on your own. Galle is a safe place for even solo travellers, so go ahead and explore on your own!

Camping
Galle truly has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. While here, I couldn’t help thinking that how much it looked like Hawaii. It’s worth ‘roughing it’ a bit to stay outdoors, and really enjoy being in such a stunning and serene place. You can camp near the beach and listen to the waves while looking at the stars.

Biking
Bike tours are offered throughout the city as sightseeing tours, but you can also choose to do off-road type biking with a tour guide who understands the safety aspects and can offer the right type of bicycle for this. Bike riding on dirt paths and downhill can be dangerous so this is for the most adventurous!

Snorkelling
Visibility is perfect here and most snorkel tours will take you off to a more secretive beach called Jungle Beach where you can stay in the water until you desire. With the water being so clear, it’s fun to take an underwater camera like goPro and take photos of aquatic species. The water is quite shallow and you’ll be given fins and mask by the company. Many tours include a visit to the Jungle Beach just to see the beach and catch some rays, so it’s best to take a snorkelling tour as you’ll get a two for one deal.

Scuba diving
For two reasons, this is one the best places in the world to do your PADI certification—the visibility is great and it’s very affordable. There are too many dive shops to count up and down the beaches so you’ll want to shop around for a good price and make sure they have their qualifications. There are shipwrecks that you can dive to as well! Most likely you’ll learn in shallow water first, until you get used to the regulator and can understand how to rise and fall in the water in a safe manner, before you go out to the big sites. If you buy bundles of dives, you can save more money than buying one at a time.

SUP (stand up paddle boarding)
SUP is a fun and easy activity that anyone can do. The boards are a lot bigger than they look in photos, facilitating easy balance. There is just one paddle and you alternate arms while you skim across the water. Many people try yoga on the boards and even you can take classes for that once you conquer balance and paddling! Most people don’t fall in, but just in case, don’t do this activity unless you know how to swim.

Surfing
There are many surfing schools and the waves are perfect for beginners here. There are some breaks which are a little more intense so always check with locals before going out. You’ll also want to ask where the rips are.

Fishing and whale watching
Seafood is incredible here, and it’s a lot of fun to go out and catch it on your own. Galle is actually known for its ‘stick fishermen’ who perch on stilts and spearfish, but you won’t be doing that! You’ll go out in a boat and most likely, fish with just a string like the locals, which is a unique experience (no fishing pole and reel). You can catch snapper and have the guide build a fire to cook it on your own. It doesn’t get better than this! Although you can take whale watching tours, you can often catch sight of a whale while fishing, so it’s a nice way to save money rather than taking two tours.

Rainforest tour
There is a variety of companies that offer tours inland to the rainforest. You can see crocodiles, water buffaloes, elephants and varied types of birds. You might be surprised to see a snake or two! Although malaria is nearly eradicated in Sri Lanka, there are still cases, and dengue fever too is there, so wear mosquito repellent. You can do these tours by Jeep or you can do them in a canoe on the river.

Yoga
Yoga and Pilates classes are offered all over Galle and are great ways to start your mornings and get your blood flowing! You’ll be all geared up to try even more adventurous things after a small workout.

Spa
A spa in Galle can be an adventurous experience as well if you haven’t had any Ayurveda treatment earlier. Some of the more adventurous options include four-hand massages and oil massages where the oil drips continuously on your third eye. You can try Reiki and chakra healing as well.

As you can see, there are so many options for adventure in Galle and you will not find yourself bored even for a second. Besides, there are endless places to visit, luxury hotels to stay and the most beautiful sunsets to admire. This is a place you’ll want to visit this year!

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The ultimate adventure holiday in Galle

Galle, situated on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, is about a 2-hour drive from Colombo airport. While the main attraction is the old Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is so much more...